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Copernicus EMS Rapid Mapping Activated for Floods in Latvia

EMS Information Bulletin

06/02/2018

Copernicus EMS

Due to a combination of unfavourable weather conditions, including the high pressure of groundwater, ice jams and mild temperatures, the water level in rivers of Lielupe and Daugava rose suddenly and flooded the floodplains. The flood waters affected 40-50 houses in the area of the Daugava river. In the town of Jelgava, near the river Lielupe, the water level exceeded the floodplain mark by more than one meter.

The Latvian State Fire and Rescue Service activated the EMS on 2 February, this being the first Copernicus EMS activation coming from this Baltic country. It requested two delineation maps showing the extent of floods in affected areas near Lielupe and Daugava. The satellite imagery from COSMO-Skymed and RADARSAT-2 were acquired on 4 February and delineation maps were delivered on the same day.